Politics

Opposition Unity Cracks as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Diverge on 2027 Strategy Against Tinubu

Published

2 months ago

August 23, 2026

Atiku, Obi Unite in Fresh Bid to Unseat Tinubu as 2027 Election Campaign Heats Up

Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar

Opposition Unity Cracks as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Diverge on 2027 Strategy Against Tinubu

The G-100’s push for a united opposition front faces significant hurdles as both camps refuse to step aside, with the NDC publicly urging Atiku to back Peter Obi instead.

ABUJA, Nigeria – The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have firmly rejected the proposal that opposition parties must present a single presidential candidate to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, creating fresh obstacles for efforts to build a broad opposition coalition. While both camps remain open to greater cooperation among opposition parties, neither has indicated a willingness to surrender its presidential ambition simply to make way for another candidate. The development comes as the G-100, a political pressure group led by former Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Salihu Lukman, intensifies its push for a united opposition front, believing that opposition parties could lose the 2027 election if they enter the contest separately and split their votes among several presidential candidates. The G-100 has been advocating a common platform and a single presidential candidate capable of challenging Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the latest reactions from the camps of Atiku and Obi suggest that cooperation may be easier to achieve than an agreement on who should fly the proposed opposition ticket, underlining one of the central difficulties confronting the opposition ahead of 2027.

Atiku’s position was made known by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who said the former vice president was not opposed to efforts aimed at bringing opposition forces together, but indicated that discussions had moved beyond simply organising meetings and summits. “We have moved beyond this conversation. Atiku has brought to the table the policy alternatives, including what he would do with petroleum subsidy if elected. His policies are about the people and they are not hidden. Come January 2027, Nigerians will make their choice. This is where we are today,” Shaibu stated. He maintained that Atiku remained prepared to take over the leadership of the country and urged Nigerians to focus on the policies and programmes being offered by the various presidential candidates. The former vice president secured the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after joining the party as part of the opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 election. Meanwhile, Atiku has declared that the 2027 presidential election would be his last attempt at the presidency, regardless of the outcome, having made the declaration during a Facebook Live session where he said, “Whether I win or lose, 2027 will be my last time contesting for the presidency.” The former vice president has sought the Nigerian presidency several times over the past decades, serving as vice president between 1999 and 2007.

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Obi’s camp has also maintained confidence in his political strength, with Obi having contested the 2023 election under the Labour Party and finished third in the official results, before later joining the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) where he has emerged as one of the leading figures in the opposition movement. The NDC has welcomed attempts to strengthen opposition cooperation but does not agree that all opposition parties must unite behind one candidate before Tinubu can be defeated. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, argued that Nigeria’s political history showed that an incumbent president could be defeated even when the opposition was not completely united under one presidential candidate. “Under a multi-party democracy, it is possible for one of the parties to defeat a sitting president. It happened in 2015 and it was only fragments of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Peoples Democratic Party that teamed up to form an alliance with the All Progressives Congress and they were able to defeat President Goodluck Jonathan,” Director said. “So, the NDC is not going into the 2027 election with that self-defeatist approach that the opposition cannot defeat the APC unless all the parties come together,” he stated.

Despite rejecting the argument that a single candidate is the only route to victory, the NDC spokesman made the party’s preference clear, saying the NDC believes Obi should lead the coalition if the opposition eventually decides to adopt a common presidential candidate. “We have made the point clear that we should choose the best candidate in the opposition and we in the NDC believe that Peter Obi is the best if he is allowed to lead the coalition. This is our position,” Director said. The push for Obi to lead a potential coalition has been further amplified by the NDC’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, Theo Abu Agada, who publicly called on Atiku to step aside and support Obi for the 2027 race, arguing that Atiku’s withdrawal from the race and support for Obi would strengthen the opposition’s chances of defeating President Bola Tinubu. “Every electioneering season. AA is a good and solid man, but he needs to give it up at this point. His idea for a working Nigeria is brilliant, but at this point, he needs to give up his ambition. If he steps aside, nothing is going to affect his sterling legacy. AA should support Obi to kick the APC out,” Agada wrote.

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The NDC’s presidential ticket now features a significant alliance between Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who has accepted the position of vice presidential candidate. Kwankwaso disclosed that he agreed to serve as Obi’s running mate to bring solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, including youth unemployment, insecurity, and economic downturn. He lamented that Nigeria faces “a difficult economic reality” with rising food costs placing enormous pressure on families, while insecurity continues to threaten communities across the country, stating that “too many families have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence.” “Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria. We believe in a country where government serves the people, where hard work is rewarded, where young people can build successful futures at home, and where every citizen has a fair opportunity to prosper,” Kwankwaso said, urging Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. The alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso has energised the NDC, with reports indicating that followers of both former governors have been mobilised under the party’s umbrella.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has added to the political tension, describing Atiku as a “voodoo economist” and insisting that he is not a leading contender in the 2027 presidential election. Wike made the remark while reacting to Atiku’s claim that he would not remove fuel subsidy if elected president, saying, “I disagree that Atiku is one of the leading presidential candidates. We have only one leading candidate, and that is Bola Tinubu.” He further questioned Atiku’s consistency, noting that the former vice president had previously supported subsidy removal in 2022, adding, “2027 is gone because we don’t have any opposition that wants to wrestle power from the government.” Wike has also vowed to keep Atiku and Obi under pressure as the contest gathers momentum, saying in Abuja, “My business is to make them not feel well all day, because they will be having high blood pressure. I guess that is my job, to make them have high blood pressure.” His rivalry with both opposition figures predates the current alignment, with roots in the bruising PDP presidential primary of 2022.

The G-100 had proposed an opposition summit in Abuja to advance its unity agenda, with the group calling on opposition leaders to put aside individual interests and work towards presenting a common candidate. However, uncertainty surrounds the summit’s outcome as opposition leaders appear reluctant to concede ground. While Atiku had earlier welcomed “every genuine initiative aimed at strengthening democratic opposition,” his camp has now signalled that the conversation has moved beyond mere meetings. The Labour Party has also weighed in, arguing that any coalition should be built around its existing structure rather than creating another political platform. As the 2027 contest takes shape, the fragmentation of the opposition presents a significant advantage for the ruling APC, with political analysts noting that early resolution of candidate selection and message discipline will be critical in determining whether the opposition can present a credible national alternative, but the current divisions suggest a difficult road ahead.

Opposition Unity Cracks as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Diverge on 2027 Strategy Against Tinubu

Related Topics:Atiku Featured Kwankwaso Obi Opposition Tinubu

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Politics

2027: Obi Makes U-Turn, Vows to Restore Fuel Subsidy If Elected

Published

2 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Trends Admin

2027: Obi Makes U-Turn, Vows to Restore Fuel Subsidy If Elected

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said he would restore Nigeria’s petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, arguing that the major problem with the policy is the corruption surrounding its implementation.

Obi made the declaration during a recent interview with the BBC, where he was asked directly whether he would bring back the subsidy if elected.

“Yes. But remember, I have qualified it, not with the corruption that’s associated with it. I’ll remove the corruption and retain the subsidy,” he said.

The position marks a significant shift from comments Obi made in August, when he said the removal of fuel subsidy should not be reversed simply because proceeds from the policy were allegedly being mismanaged.

Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Obi said at the time that he supported subsidy removal but argued that the savings should be properly invested in healthcare, education and other productive sectors.

“I subscribe, and I maintain that you need to remove subsidy. Mismanagement of the proceeds should not be the reason for not removing it,” he had said.

Obi has now drawn a distinction between the subsidy itself and what he describes as the corruption associated with the scheme.

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“From day one, I’ve talked about subsidy. I talked about corruption; corruption is the problem of subsidy,” he told the BBC.

The latest position also comes shortly after his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said an NDC administration would introduce fuel subsidy in its own way if the party wins the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso had argued that the party would seek ways to make petrol more affordable while improving domestic refining and petroleum production.

The fuel subsidy debate has remained a major political and economic issue since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced its removal on May 29, 2023.

The decision caused petrol prices to rise sharply and has remained a contentious issue amid concerns over inflation, living costs and household purchasing power.

The Federal Government has continued to defend subsidy removal as a necessary economic reform, while opposition politicians have proposed different approaches to reducing the impact of petrol prices on Nigerians.

Obi also addressed the question of opposition unity ahead of the 2027 election, rejecting suggestions that he should step aside for another candidate if opposition parties eventually agree to a consensus candidate.

“We don’t need to step down. We need to do the right thing,” he said, arguing that opposition parties should focus on mobilising more voters.

On corruption, Obi said his approach would begin with his own conduct and that of his family. He also contrasted his proposed leadership style with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he would exercise greater control over his administration if elected.

With the 2027 presidential election approaching, Obi’s renewed pledge to retain or restore fuel subsidy is expected to keep the policy at the centre of economic and political debates, particularly as parties present competing proposals on petrol pricing and the cost of living.

2027: Obi Makes U-Turn, Vows to Restore Fuel Subsidy If Elected

Politics

2027: Galadima Alleges APC Offering N50m, N200m to Lawmakers to Step Aside

Published

2 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Buba Galadima

2027: Galadima Alleges APC Offering N50m, N200m to Lawmakers to Step Aside

Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is offering millions of naira and vehicles to some opposition politicians and lawmakers to withdraw from the 2027 elections.

Galadima made the allegation during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, claiming that the alleged financial inducements were part of efforts to reduce opposition competition ahead of the elections.

According to him, members of State Houses of Assembly who agree to step aside for APC candidates are allegedly being offered N50 million, while members of the House of Representatives are allegedly being promised N200 million and a vehicle.

“Every member of the House of Assembly who agrees to forfeit his ticket for the APC candidate is currently being given N50 million, and members of the House of Representatives will be given N200 million with a car,” Galadima alleged.

He further claimed that some politicians had already withdrawn from the 2027 race after allegedly receiving the financial incentives.

Galadima also alleged that a woman from Zamfara State was coordinating the purported distribution of the money from a hotel in Abuja.

“There’s a lady from Zamfara State who is sharing the money in a hotel here in Abuja,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the woman had recently met with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, allegedly presenting the names of candidates who had withdrawn from the contest.

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Galadima alleged that some of the politicians had written resignation letters and collected the money.

However, he did not provide publicly verifiable evidence during the interview to independently establish the alleged payments, identify the lawmakers involved or confirm the purported distribution arrangement.

The allegations come amid increased political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians moving between opposition parties and the ruling APC.

In recent months, the APC has received politicians from opposition parties, including candidates who withdrew from some State House of Assembly contests before joining the ruling party.

Galadima presented the alleged financial inducements as part of what he described as a broader strategy to reduce competition against APC candidates.

He also alleged that President Bola Tinubu and APC governors were uncomfortable with facing strong opposition candidates and wanted to ensure that APC candidates encountered limited competition in some constituencies.

Those claims remain allegations by Galadima and have not been independently established.

The NDC chieftain has remained vocal about opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In September, Galadima said he was part of a group of opposition politicians working under the coordination of former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Fayemi subsequently rejected the claim through his media team.

Galadima has also previously spoken about the NDC’s strategy for the 2027 election, including the party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

The party has attracted prominent politicians, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, amid continuing political realignments ahead of the election.

Meanwhile, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has previously rejected suggestions that the party uses financial incentives to influence political movements, saying politicians who joined the APC did so voluntarily.

The APC and Yilwatda have not publicly responded specifically to Galadima’s latest allegations that money and vehicles are being offered to lawmakers to withdraw from the 2027 elections.

The claims are therefore expected to fuel further debate over political defections, electoral competition and campaign financing ahead of the 2027 polls.

2027: Galadima Alleges APC Offering N50m, N200m to Lawmakers to Step Aside

Politics

‘No Decent Wages, No Credible Elections’ — Sowore Threatens 2027 Boycott

Published

2 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Omoyele Sowore

‘No Decent Wages, No Credible Elections’ — Sowore Threatens 2027 Boycott

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has threatened to join INEC workers in boycotting the 2027 general election if concerns over their pay and working conditions continue to be ignored.

Sowore made the statement while demanding a N500,000 minimum wage for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) workers, arguing that decent remuneration is essential to the integrity of the electoral process.

In a post on his verified X account, Sowore said electoral personnel entrusted with administering elections should not be expected to safeguard the process while receiving what he described as inadequate compensation.

“No decent wages, no credible elections,” Sowore declared.

He said INEC staff deserved a minimum wage of N500,000 and argued that electoral integrity should begin with decent working conditions and a living wage for those responsible for conducting elections.

“If these workers continue to be treated with contempt, I will join them in boycotting the 2027 elections,” he said.

Sowore also backed the right of electoral workers to organise and seek improved conditions of service, including through lawful industrial action.

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His comments followed remarks by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, who said the commission’s personnel were among the least-paid workers in the country.

Amupitan, speaking during a presentation on INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections in Abuja, said the commission had begun taking steps to improve staff welfare and remuneration.

According to the INEC chairman, the commission had moved away from the conventional civil service payment structure, paving the way for separate electoral and salary structures.

He said better remuneration was necessary to strengthen accountability among personnel responsible for administering elections.

The commission has also been working on improved salary and welfare arrangements for its employees, members and Resident Electoral Commissioners as part of preparations for the next general election.

Sowore’s latest comments come as political parties and INEC intensify preparations for the 2027 general election.

The AAC candidate has previously confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. His latest statement therefore amounts to a conditional boycott threat, rather than an announcement that he has withdrawn from the presidential race.

Sowore’s demand for N500,000 should also not be interpreted as a new INEC-approved minimum salary. The figure represents his proposed wage level for electoral workers.

The debate over the remuneration of electoral officials comes amid broader concerns about the working conditions of personnel responsible for conducting elections across Nigeria.